Goddard Applauds Richer Reward for Warren Jeffs

(Phoenix, Ariz. – Jan. 17, 2006) Attorney General Terry Goddard today commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for significantly increasing the reward leading to the arrest and conviction of Warren Steed Jeffs, leader of the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) church.

The Phoenix FBI Special Agent in Charge, Jana Monroe, announced that FBI Headquarters has authorized a $50,000 reward for information leading to Jeffs’ arrest and conviction. This announcement enhances the $10,000 reward offered since last July by the Arizona and Utah State Attorneys General.

“I hope this larger reward will help bring Warren Jeffs to justice,” Goddard said. “He continues to exert his harmful influence over the Colorado City/Hildale community, and he must answer the serious charges against him in a court of law.”

The search for Jeffs is a multi-jurisdictional effort by the Arizona and Utah Attorneys General Offices, the FBI, and Mojave County Attorney’s Office. An arrest warrant was issued by the Mojave County Attorney on June 9, 2005, charging Jeffs with sexual conduct with a minor and conspiracy to commit sexual conduct with a minor. Jeffs was subsequently charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

Jeffs is described as 6’4” in height, weighing 150 lbs, and having brown eyes and hair. Anyone with information about him should contact the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office at 928-753-0753 or 1-800-526-1911. For more information, please visit the Arizona Attorney General’s Web site at www.azag.gov or the FBI Web site at www.fbi.gov.